NORWALK, Conn., Aug. 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- A still-fragile U.S. economy continued its recovery as the wine industry maintained its upswing to mark the 18^th year of growth.  Consumer confidence and innovation by producers contributed to these gains.  New varietals such as sweet reds and higher end blends have engaged consumers.  According to the Beverage Information Group's recently released 2012 Wine Handbook, wine consumption gained 3.0% to reach 312.4 million 9-liter cases in 2011.

Domestic wines continued to outpace imports.  The U.S. has a reputation of being a better value than its imported counterparts, so wines from California, Oregon and Washington fared well in 2011.  Imports did see some pockets of success, namely wines from Italy, Argentina and Spain.  Millennial consumers are also helping the imported category due to their interest in lesser known varietals and willingness to experiment.

High-end varietals saw a significant boost this past year.  With more confidence in the recovering economy, consumers are dining out more where higher priced offerings are in demand.  Total wine dollar sales grew to $27.8 billion last year, with on-premise accounting for 43.8% -- a 2.8% increase from 2010.

"As consumers discover new varietals, regions and price points, overall wine consumption is expected to continue to increase over the next five years," according to Adam Rogers, senior research analyst for the Beverage Information Group based in Norwalk, Conn.  "The wine industry is predicted to reach 317.3 million cases by 2012." 

The 2012 Wine Handbook is the leading source for U.S. wine sales and consumption trends. It includes wine consumption analysis; the top 50 metro markets; supplier performance; advertising expenditures; consumer drinking preferences; and economic/demographic data.

The cost of the 2012 Wine Handbook is $850; handbook with CD is $1,050. Shipping and handling is $15 for U.S. residents, $25 for all international orders. The handbook and CD can be purchased at www.bevinfostore.com or by calling Cynthia Porter at (630) 762-8709.

About the Beverage Information Group

The Beverage Information Group, a division of M2MEDIA360, serves all segments of the beverage alcohol industry through Cheers, Beverage Dynamics and StateWays magazines, statistical Handbooks, Beverage Research and www.bevinfogroup.com.

Contacts:   
Beverage Information Group
Adam Rogers, Senior Research Analyst  
arogers@m2media360.com

Cynthia Porter, Handbook Sales Executive   
630-762-8709
cporter@m2media360.com   
www.bevinfostore.com

SOURCE The Beverage Information Group